How to Mirror an Assembly in Onshape: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Onshape is a powerful 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on designs in real-time. One of its useful features is the ability to mirror assemblies, which can save time and effort when working on symmetrical designs. In this article, we will dive deep into how to mirror an assembly in Onshape, its benefits, costs, and more. Let's get started!

How it Works

To mirror an assembly in Onshape, follow these steps:

1. Open the assembly you want to mirror.
2. Click on the "Transform" tool in the toolbar.
3. Select the "Mirror" option from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose the plane you want to mirror the assembly about.
5. Select the parts you want to mirror.
6. Click on the "Done" button.

Once you have completed these steps, you will see a mirrored version of the assembly. Any changes made to the original assembly will also be reflected in the mirrored one.

Benefits of Mirroring an Assembly in Onshape

Mirroring an assembly in Onshape offers several benefits, including:

• Saves Time: Mirror assembly allows you to quickly create symmetrical designs without having to manually create each and every part.
• Ensures Accuracy: Since the mirrored assembly is an exact copy of the original, it ensures accuracy and consistency in your designs.
• Eases Collaboration: With Onshape's real-time collaboration feature, mirroring an assembly makes it easier for multiple users to work on the same design.
• Increases Efficiency: By eliminating the need to manually create symmetrical parts, mirroring an assembly can significantly increase your productivity and efficiency.

Cost of Using Onshape

Onshape offers various pricing plans, including a free plan for personal use and a professional plan for businesses. The professional plan starts at $150 per month per user, with discounts available for annual subscriptions. However, the mirroring assembly feature is available in all pricing plans, making it a cost-effective tool for designers and engineers.

Installation and System Requirements

To use Onshape, you simply need a web browser and an internet connection. Onshape runs on any modern web browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. There is no need to download or install any software, making it a convenient option for users.

However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card. This will ensure smooth navigation and editing of your assemblies in Onshape.

Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Mirroring an Assembly

Mirroring an assembly can be helpful in various scenarios, including:

• Designing symmetrical parts that require the same dimensions and features.
• Creating a left and right version of a part without having to manually duplicate and edit each one.
• Working on assemblies that have multiple mirrored components.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it may be time to consider using the mirroring assembly feature in Onshape.

Comparison with Other CAD Software

Onshape is a cloud-based CAD software that offers a unique set of features and benefits. Let's take a look at how it compares to other popular CAD software in terms of mirroring an assembly.

Software	Mirroring Assembly Feature	Collaboration	System Requirements	Pricing
Onshape	Yes	Real-time	Web browser and internet connection	Free for personal use, starting at $150/month for professional plan
SolidWorks	Yes	No	Windows operating system, 8GB RAM, dedicated graphics card	Starting at $3,995 for standard version
AutoCAD	Yes	No	Windows operating system, 4GB RAM, dedicated graphics card	Starting at $1,690/year for standard version
Fusion 360	Yes	Real-time	Windows or Mac operating system, 4GB RAM, dedicated graphics card	Free for students, starting at $495/year for commercial use

As shown in the comparison table, Onshape stands out for its real-time collaboration and minimal system requirements. It also offers a free option for personal use, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Pros and Cons of Mirroring an Assembly in Onshape

Pros

• Time-saving
• Accurate
• Efficient
• Collaborative
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Requires internet connection
• Limited offline capabilities
• May not be suitable for complex assemblies

Best Brands for Using Onshape

Onshape is a popular choice among designers and engineers. Some of the top brands that use Onshape include:

• General Motors
• Lockheed Martin
• Bosch
• Harley-Davidson
• Whirlpool

These companies have recognized the value and benefits of using Onshape for their design and engineering needs.

Maintenance and Support

Onshape offers excellent support to its users, including a comprehensive knowledge base, community forum, and email support. They also have a dedicated team that constantly updates and improves the software, ensuring users have access to the latest features and tools.

Vehicle Model Examples Data Support

Below is a table comparing the performance of two different vehicle models using Onshape's mirroring assembly feature. This data is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent actual performance metrics.

Vehicle Model	Number of Parts	Time to Design (in hours)	Time Saved with Mirroring Assembly (in hours)
Model A	50	6	3
Model B	50	6	5

As seen in the table, using the mirroring assembly feature in Onshape can save significant time in the design process, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

Case Study: Designing a Symmetrical Part with Onshape's Mirroring Assembly

Scenario Background

A manufacturer of automotive parts needs to design a symmetrical air intake system for a new car model. The design requires the left and right side of the intake system to be identical. The team is using Onshape for their design process.

Problem

The team realizes that creating two separate parts for the left and right side of the air intake system can be time-consuming and increases the chances of errors. They need a more efficient and accurate solution.

Solution

The team decides to use Onshape's mirroring assembly feature. They open the assembly and select the parts they want to mirror. After selecting the appropriate plane, they click "Done" and see a mirrored version of the assembly. They make any necessary adjustments and are satisfied with the final design.

Measurable Results

The team completes the design process in half the time it would have taken without using the mirroring assembly feature. This not only saves time but also eliminates the risk of errors and inconsistencies in the design.

Real-World Narrative

Thanks to Onshape's mirroring assembly feature, the team was able to quickly and accurately design the symmetrical air intake system for the new car model. This saved them time and effort, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the design process.=